DANIELS, W.Va. - Replacing three of the top golfers in the conference is usually a tall task, but the Red Wolves of Indiana University East seem to be managing it well.

With two freshmen and three sophomores in the lineup, IU East claimed the 2026 River States Conference Women's Golf Fall Preview title on Tuesday, winning by more than 40 strokes at the Glade Springs Resort Golf Course in Daniels, West Virginia. With only two returners from last season's team that led the RSC Championships after the first round before finishing second, the Red Wolves claimed victory by 41 strokes over IU Kokomo, firing a 39-over score of 640. IU Kokomo was 11 shots clear of IU Southeast for second place.

The Red Wolves jumped out to a 12 stroke lead following the first round, thanks to all five golfers placing within the top 12 of the field. IU East's effort was led by one of their returners, Peityn Gillman, who entered the final round in a tie for second following a 79. Midway University's Anna Simpson was the leader of the individual race after 18 holes, leading a group of golfers by one shot after carding a 78 that featured birdies on the 7th and 14th holes.

IU East was never threatened on the second day of the tournament, as the Red Wolves were almost 30 strokes better than the rest of the field in the final round. Three of IU East's golfers broke 80 in the final round, with Maddie Campbell the leader with a two-over 74. Gillman and Emma Lohman followed with six-over 78s to allow the Red Wolves to take home the hardware.

Simpson's lead from the first day proved to be enough, as the Midway sophomore claimed individual medalist honors at Glade Springs. The Third Team All-Conference selection from 2025-26 held off a charge from IU East's Campbell, firing a three-over 75 to win by three shots over IU East's top finisher. Simpson's 75 was the second-best score of the week, behind only a 74 from Campbell.

The fall preview is designed to give the teams a first look at the golf course before returning in May for the River States Conference Championship. The 2027 RSC Women's Golf Championship is scheduled for May 9-11, back at Glade Springs Resort Golf Course in West Virginia. Midway has won back-to-back RSC Championships, topping IU East at the 2026 Championships by 20 shots.